The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (EGCMA) has undertaken many bushfire recovery projects following the 2020/21 bushfires, but the work doesn’t stop there.
EGCMA CEO Graeme Dear said, “We have a program of bushfire recovery works underway. Individuals, agencies and community groups are working together to help the recovery process. Here are examples of some of the works funded by the Victorian Government.”
Three Bushfire Monitoring and Engagement Officers have been appointed to assist our fire recovery monitoring.They are collecting data to track recovery and identify issues that arise.
New and emerging weeds following bushfires are expected, with weeds often being the first thing that grows. Last year over 1,000ha of woody weed control was completed in fire-affected areas. An example is Cape Broom that has spread in Wonangatta after the fires. Agencies have combined efforts to have a concerted go at controlling this outbreak of broom over the next three years. Agencies and contractors will continue to work together to treat areas of concern targeting willows, broom, and blackberries.
The EGCMA is partnering with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), Moogji Natural Resource Management Crew and DELWP to help with revegetation and weed control works to improve public access sites, encourage stronger riverbanks, and prevent erosion. This work is part of a greater collaborative effort underway over the next three years in the Tambo, Nicholson, Snowy and Far East catchments.
With over 100kms of fencing replaced along waterways following the bushfires, the EGCMA continues to assist landholders in their efforts to replace fencing.
Community events following the bushfires have proven very popular and well received by East Gippsland communities. These have included boat trips, walk and talks as well as community BBQs. These will continue with the focus on informing the community about recovery projects in their areas as well as listening to community concerns.
